Memory Loss & Psychological Distress with Hearing Loss

Research about the relationship between hearing loss and other negative health outcomes has been pouring in through recent years. Many aspects of physical health are negatively associated with hearing loss, and mental and cognitive health can be affected, as well. In some of these cases, researchers do not yet understand the mechanism that connects hearing loss and such a diverse range of negative health outcomes. It is possible that another factor is related to both hearing loss and these health effects, but the results remain unclear. One significant study from 2016 was able to gather important data on three of these relationships. Hearing loss was connected to memory loss, psychological distress, and lack of outdoor activity, a proxy for physical health measures. Let’s take a look at the findings and consider how they might be connected to hearing loss.

Hearing Loss and Memory

This study of 137,723 people aged 65 and older in Japan did not include any participants with a clinical diagnosis of dementia. Yet, a strong relationship with memory loss was demonstrated. Among those who did not have hearing loss, only 5.2% reported having problems with memory loss. On the other hand, 37.7% of those with hearing loss also reported memory loss. How could this incredible disparity exist? It turns out that language is a crucial element of our ability to recall information and to stay mentally flexible. As a person experiences hearing loss, the ability to communicate with others can be compromised, including language ability. Researchers wonder if the effect of miscommunication might spread to other areas of cognition, including memory.

Hearing Loss and Psychological Distress

In this large group of research participants, 19.3% of those without hearing loss reported psychological distress, a significant proportion. However, 39.7% of those with hearing loss reported psychological distress – nearly double. This relationship is easier for researchers to explain. Those with hearing loss undergo much more daily stress than their hearing counterparts. Whether in terms of daily activities, conversations with friends, or more serious forms of mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, compromised hearing ability can lead to a feeling of isolation and frustration. When these experiences continue day after day, they can lead to a psychological load that is difficult to bear. Those who have hearing loss tend to experience more resistance to participating in social events, and that resistance can lead to compounded mental health struggles.

Hearing Loss and Outdoor Activity

One of the major challenges facing seniors is a lack of physical activity. Not only in terms of concerted exercise at a gym, physical activity such as walking, standing, and general mobility are all necessary to keep the body in good shape. When one spends too much time in a sedentary position, such as sitting at home, many physical health issues can arise. One of the good measures of physical health is whether or not a person gets outdoor activity. 9.5% of the people surveyed in this study who did not have hearing loss reported that they had limitations on their ability to engage in outdoor activity. However, 28.9% of those with hearing loss reported limitations. In some cases, these conditions might have been directly connected. Those with serious hearing loss might feel reticent to engage in outdoor activities where they would need to be aware of their surroundings. However, another problem might be lurking beneath these findings. Those who have hearing loss might not make a conscious decision to remain in a place where they can hear best. On the contrary, they can feel socially isolated and unwilling to engage with the world in general.

Treating Hearing Loss

With these many relationships between hearing loss and negative health, the time is now to seek out an exam if you are concerned that you might have hearing loss. The test is simple, quick, and painless, and you will be stepping in the direction of solutions rather than continuing to experience defeat. The benefits of treatment extend beyond hearing itself and into many other areas of life, including memory, mental health, and even the ability to physically engage in outdoor activity. The social benefits of treating hearing loss can have a ripple effect into many other dimensions of a healthy lifestyle. If you are ready to treat hearing loss, contact us today to schedule a consultation.